Lots of personal changes have taken place. I started a full-time job. And quit after a month. (Reasons too many to go into–)

After a 25-year absence in an elementary classroom, I’m returning this fall as a substitute teacher.

Some of you know a short story of mine appeared in a mystery writers’ anthology this summer. The main character, Fancy Raeford Hodge, is a Durham born-and-bred amateur sleuth. She was and is such a kick to write!

The Lord led me to finish editing my mystery manuscript after 7 years of working on it. If and when Dead Doc is published, it will be appearing under my own name.

A new website with my newly-acquired domain (jeanhuffman.com) is in the works. The main character, Fancy, will have her own fun blog.

Readers, this is where I tell you “From the Church House” will soon be coming to an end. It’s been a hoot . . .and to be honest, sometimes a worry, when I wasn’t sure if anyone was reading. . . .Regardless, the Lord has taught me a lot through this baptism of fire, and I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.

I covet your prayers. If this writing thing flies, it will fly. If it doesn’t, that’s okay, too. It’s always been His idea and I just want to be obedient. May The Lord bless you abundantly!

I know I’ve been out of pocket for a few weeks. I gave myself permission to take a short blogging sabbatical while I concentrated on landing a new full-time job.

Big changes are a’comin’ – the Lord gave me a job offer this week! One that will utilize my healthcare knowledge and, I think, be a great fit for me personally. Everything I asked for in terms of salary and benefits were met, or exceeded . . . Only God could do something like that in today’s economy.

I still have 24 days until I start my job, though. This was a gracious concession by new employer that will allow me to journey to Haiti with my church mission group over Easter break.

Which brings me to Part Two of today’s blog . . . the packing challenge has begun! Only 13 days until we’re on the plane to Haiti!

Trying to squeeze in everything one needs for this trip requires a bit of finesse. Besides the usual work clothes (t-shirts and scrub pants) and necessities, there are other requisite items.

First, work-related supplies. Yes, Haiti has a hardware store that is affectionately called “Home Depot” by the old-timers. But what you find there is extremely expensive. So you bring your work stuff with you if you can.

I will be painting again (in Haiti, there’s “always something to paint!”), so disposable trays, rollers, brushes, garbage bags, and disposable gloves are going.

Secondly, I also have now embraced a gluten-free diet and will have to bring some food items. At Walls’ Guest House we are provided two wonderful meals a day (fresh fruits, some veggies, and main dishes). But for worksite lunches, we’re on our own. Port Au Prince does have grocery stores (and surprisingly, fairly-well stocked by anyone’s standards), but GF foods will PROBABLY not be on the shelves.

The last wrinkle to consider: Two backpacks for the sponsor children I will get to visit! Inside are underwear and socks; school supplies; new clothes and flip-flops; and fun surprises, such as toys and candy.

That’s a lot to include, and the main reason I’m working on it now! What a difference a week makes—in the end, most of what we take is used or left behind. The old suitcase comes back with a few souvenirs and dirty ziplocked work duds, saved for the next trip there.

Would you consider praying now for the Ridgecrest Baptist Church Haiti team? We leave Thursday, March 28th and return a week later, April 4th. Pray that we may put a small dent in this country’s needs while we’re there, but most importantly we represent Jesus Christ and His love for all people.

I am in one of those present states of waiting. Waiting to hear the results of a job interview . . . waiting for the right time to replace a car that’s wobbling on its last tire . . . waiting to hear the fate of my short story, accepted into an anthology almost two years ago, but not yet materialized to the printed page . . . waiting to see how the new gluten-free diet is going to work out . . . well, you get the picture. I’m sure it’s the same litany of waiting on your side of reality, too. We’re well-acquainted with the land of limbo.

God tells us to number our days . . . I think this is significant. If we number or count anything, it makes us more aware of the objects’ finiteness. It does have an ending. It forces the principal of stewardship into our thinking and makes us ask, “How will I use this resource wisely?”

Time is a finite resource. Even in moments of waiting, we are to manage well the time we’re given. We do this by. . . Resting in Him. Staying close to His Heart. Listening for His Voice. And yes, Changing courses when He says “Change.”

Someday when God takes us into heaven, infinity will be our new normal. Until then, we wait . . . through the opportunities/moments/challenges God engineers, knowing He will give us His supernatural grace to endure and yes, sail above the limitations.

I choose His grace today. I can’t speak of tomorrow, but in the midst of the wait, this is where I am today.